The Edmonton Oilers and Detroit Red Wings seem to be consistently linked in trade chatter this summer. The topic of said rumors often changes, but for some reason, these two franchises find their way back into speculative conversations, suggesting there may be fire where there's smoke. 

Neither team is set to make an imminent move. Then again, few analysts believe either team is done reshaping their respective rosters. Both clubs are chasing immediate success -- even though the Oilers are on a different tier than Detroit -- and the trade chatter linking them together suggests there could still be business to conduct.

Mattias Ekholm, Cam Talbot Surface in New Red Wings-Oilers Trade Rumors <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings">Detroit</a>’s trade discussions with Edmonton are heating up, with big names like Mattias Ekholm and Cam Talbot rumored to be in play.

The Red Wings Are Desperately Trying to Take a Step Forward

Detroit, under general manager Steve Yzerman, is firmly in playoff-or-bust mode. The Red Wings already made a splash by acquiring former All-Star goaltender John Gibson from Anaheim-- ironically, someone the Oilers were also rumored to have interest in. That leaves them with the flexibility to move a goaltender and fill other areas of need.

Reports have tied Detroit to Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish. It's unclear if the Ducks are willing to trade McTavish yet, but should they decide to entertain the idea, Yzerman is set to make a heavy push.

And if not McTavish, speculation continues to swirl that the Red Wings are open to using additional assets or draft capital in a follow-up move.

The Oilers Are Eager to Upgrade Their Goaltending

Edmonton, meanwhile, has been vocal in its support of its goaltending tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, but GM Stan Bowman also hinted at upgrading in goal.

Because Detroit has a couple of options at the position, they could be a natural trade partner.

The Oilers were heavily involved in Gibson talks before losing out, and recent rumblings have them linked to a former Edmonton Oil Kings netminder. 

The most intriguing part of the rumor mill is the mention of goaltender Sebastian Cossa, Detroit’s top prospect, surfacing in trade discussions. While moving him would be a blockbuster decision, the fact his name has been raised shows how aggressive Yzerman may be in positioning his team for a serious playoff run.

What the Oilers would offer has varied depending on who you ask and what source you believe to be credible. What seems consistent is that the Oilers have looked Cossa's way, and there may be something brewing between these two teams. 

Other Wild Trade Speculation

It doesn't just stop at the goalie talk when it comes to the Oilers and the Red Wings. Trade pitches are big part of the summer conversation and NHL lull. Outlets propose mock trades and hypotheticals to drum up interest in hockey content. Again, the Oilers and Red Wings are linked. 

A recent trade pitch actually suggested the Oilers go after Alex DeBrincat in a deal that would see Edmonton add more skill and scoring to their top six, but give up Mattias Ekholm, Beau Akey and two draft picks. It's fair to suggest that trade isn't happening. 

Oilers Friday Faceoff: Janmark, Goalies, McDavid's Deal & More

Oilers Looking at 3 Potential PTO Options

Former Oilers’ Prospect Leaves the NHL

4 Oilers Goalie Targets Better Than Carter Hart

If Edmonton and Detroit reconnect on trade talks, it likely won’t be a futures-for-veterans scenario. Instead, both sides are eyeing win-now pieces—setting the stage for what could be one of the bigger deals of the preseason.

Should We Realistically Expect a Trade Between Edmonton and Detroit?

So, should Oilers and Red Wings fans realistically expect a trade between the two teams this summer? Probably not.

While rumors continue to swirl, it’s important to temper expectations. Both franchises are clearly looking to improve, but neither is set to make a panic move. Some of the trades suggested by different outlets are so beyond reasonable that they become fireable offenses for the GMs who make them. Neither team is looking to fill a hole by creating a crater-sized one somewhere else on the roster. 

That said, there is likely something to the Sebastian Cossa speculation. It may not happen this summer, and the Oilers' level of interest may be directly tied to how their own goalies perform to start the season. 

The reality is, much of the chatter and trade buzz is a natural result of the lull that comes this time every off-season.  We need something, anything, to keep the hockey conversation alive.

While it’s possible the teams could connect and make a trade, any deal would likely be carefully calculated. A headline-grabbing Oilers–Red Wings swap isn't imminent. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more.   Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.